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To be festive on Valentine’s Day, I decided on a little bow. I didn’t want it to be too sweet, so I settled on orange instead of red or pink. You might remember I also went this route on Halloween, apparently it’s a holiday pattern.
Shirt from Old Navy, skirt from Express, boots were a gift, ribbon from my craft closet, and Vera Bradley purse. But if I had unlimited clothes in my closet, I’d wear that same idea like this:
Love those shoes. I’ve been dying for an ankle strap.
I got some lovely valentines from some lovely people. I hope you had as good of a day as I did!
Accessorizing with hot pink today. Also in my shoes and scarf.
I know, I know. I said never glitter at work. But haven’t I also said to break the rules? I needed a pick me up this week and saw a picture on PS I Made This’ Twitter that showed this design. And I fell in love and just had to try it myself. And it’s just one glittery nail, and it’s almost the weekend…so that’s ok right?
So you guys know how I’m trying to save money? So I’m shopping less and saving more, or at least that’s the plan. But I’ve been dreaming of these shoes for weeks, and I ran into this lovely textured yellow sweater last night, and it just got me thinking…if I could only pick one, which should I get? Hypothetically, of course.
or 
(Shoes from Nine West, sweater from Loft)
Which one should I buy? Or should I save my money and get neither? Keep in mind how much I like yellow…and how much I like shoes.
I wore colors today too! They were pretty muted—don’t be afraid to go bright if that strikes your fancy!
On this week’s New Girl, Zooey and my girl Lizzie Caplan had very different views on work-appropriate behaviors. Actually, they have very different views on everything, including dessert, but I’m expanding on their point that if Lizzie’s lawyer character were at work and acted like Zooey Deschanel’s teacher character, no one would take her seriously. And vice versa—Zooey couldn’t very well superglue a diorama with her students in a pant suit.
We all know we need to dress professionally for whatever your job may be, but this begs the question: If your personality is all glittery ribbons, or bright colors, or anything other than a gray pant suit, do you have to tone it down or not be yourself at work?
My theory is that you can absolutely be yourself. But, obviously, certain rules must be followed. No matter what your job is, you need to cover up. Showing skin might be fine on a summer day running errands in your neighborhood, but it is never acceptable in any job anywhere. Unless you are a life guard, and, even then, they wear one-pieces.
My advice, if you’d like to branch out from all those office neutrals, is to keep your shapes classic and your skirts long. I’d also recommend keeping your materials … nice. I don’t necessarily mean expensive, but I do mean of good quality and generally free from wear and tear. After that, you can pretty much get away with any color that you want.
If you saw someone wearing that, would you think “sloppy and immature” or “bold and professional”?
I read an article on Real Simple yesterday about how to reach your financial goals. One of their tips was to record when you make good financial decisions. So here goes: I brought my lunch today instead of planning on buying it, and I did my own nails last night instead of getting a manicure. So here’s OPI’s Pamplona Purple, in honor of the Spring-like weather we’ve been having.
I’ve been pretty busy the past few days working on something I’ll hopefully finish and show you this week. But here’s what I’m sporting today. The best part of this look? I noticed a weird splotch on my sweater this morning, and my vest thing covers it up. Dress to your advantages, people. Happy Tuesday.
This post is titled More Chambray, but it could just as easily have been Can You Be Professional In A Mustache Necklace—the answer, I think, is yes—or Sorry I’m Not Sorry My Belt Is Brown And My Skirt Is Black.
I’m still into this chambray, and I’ve dressed it up and down here. What do you think? Can you take that casual fabric to work?
(I’m not sure why everyone is hating on nude tights. Sometimes I get tired of so much color on my legs, but it’s still winter, and I’m not crazy. So nude tights it is. Also I think this look would be a great opportunity for a bright red lip.)
When there’s snow on the ground, I usually turn to my rain boots that look like real boots. Here I paired the chambray with my dark denim and hoped it wasn’t too jean on jean, even though that’s sort of almost exactly what it is. Also threw on my handmade scarf, just because I could.
Thanks errbody. Hope you make it through your Thursday ok. We’re almost there!
Rae Nudson